"One of the best sprinters in cycling history"

In cycling, the Belgian Etixx - Quick Step team has been able to convince the German top sprinter Marcel Kittel to join their ranks.

Team Manager Patrick Lefevere announced that Kittel signed a two-year contract. As Mark Cavendish is leaving the Belgian team, Lefevere found another top sprinter to replace him.

Lefevere and Kittel signed the deal at Schiphol Airport yesterday. Kittel broke his contract with Giant-Alpecin to be able to join the Etixx team, where he will replace Marc Cavendish. The Manxman is joining MTN-Qhubeka.

Kittel was motivated to join the Belgian team, where he will find his good friend and German colleague Toni Martin (photo below). Kittel had an excellent 2014 and won 8 stages in the Tour de France so far. This year was less of a success due to various reasons, but Kittel is eager to prove his critics wrong.

Lefevere is charmed by the German sprinter: "He showed his pure speed in the past. This makes him one of the best sprinters in cycling history." Kittel, who enjoys a clean reputation where doping is concerned, has 61 career victories.